Feedback sought on port master plan

State Development Minister Anthony Lynham said the draft master plan set out growth opportunities and an environmental management framework to ensure job-generating sustainable development.

“Master planning for the priority Port of Gladstone will set the course for growth at Queensland’s largest multi-cargo port,” Dr Lynham said.

“The plan identifies a vision for the area to 2050, including a sharp focus on protecting our iconic reef and safeguarding the outstanding universal value of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area well into the future.”

Gladstone is the first of Queensland’s four priority ports to be subject to master planning under laws introduced by the Palaszczuk Government in 2015.

Master planning has started at Townsville, and preliminary processes are under way for Abbot Point and Hay Point/Mackay.

Dr Lynham said the Gladstone draft master plan:

identified opportunities for growth at the port to 2050

proposed a master planned area important for the future of the priority Port of Gladstone and its associated industries

identified precincts within this area for sustainable development and environmental management, both land and marine

sets out the environmental management framework to guide how opportunities can be harnessed while managing the environmental values in and around the master planned area, including potential cumulative impacts on Reef values.

“We have been working with Gladstone Ports Corporation, the local council, state agencies, the Australian Government and key industry and community groups to prepare the draft master plan, and we are now inviting the community to have its say."

Submissions on the draft master plan close on Monday, October 9, 2017.